Movie Review: "Where the Wild Things Are"

Saw "Where the Wild Things Are" this weekend after a day of doing everything we thought would be in the movie. That involved hiking and kind of climbing rocks, but at the end of the night, we were too tired to build a fort.

Anyway, this movie was beautiful. I've read reviews that called it "gorgeous" and talked about the characters being a work of art. They were. What I really liked about the movie, though, was that it was exciting, even for a 22-year-old. The "wild rumpus" was fun, but the wild things adventure turned out to be more serious than that. There were parts that were scary and parts that were really sad, and children should see these things in a movie. The dirt ball "war" went a little too far, and some of the wild things were hurt both physically. That's something children can see. The wild things talked about loneliness and looking for a king or someone to bring them happiness. You could feel the frustration that Max, the kid, felt at home where he was neglected and had no friends. Then when he journeyed into the land of the wild things, his same frustration was reflected in wild things. After a series of adventures and mishaps as king of the wild things, Max learns a lesson, and it's one that adults and children can appreciate.

While 20-somethings were going to see this to relive childhood memories or because they're fans of Spike Jonze or Karen O's indie soundtrack, it really was a great movie for children. I went to a 9 o'clock showing to avoid the kid crowd, but I saw a lot of them coming out from the 7 o'clock showing. A lot of children's books and movies are happy throughout, but children, like Max, get scared and angry, and at times, they feel sad too. That's why this movie is so great. The book was only like 10 pages long and mostly pictures, but it told a good story. And the movie, which was based on the book, shows that no one wants to feel lonely, and if you are a frustrated kid, you're not alone.

"Where the Wild Things Are" Soundtrack

Karen O's "Where the Wild Things Are" Soundtrack dropped yesterday, and I cannot stop listening to it. It's SO GOOD! It's happy, funky, a little grungey, hip, and most importantly, it takes me back to the best parts of childhood and captures the vision of the "Where the Wild Things Are" story.

As my friends already know, Karen O is my favorite. I was totally stoked when I found out she was doing the soundtrack for this movie that I was already excited about. I love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, which she fronts, and when I saw them at APW this year, I put it in my all-time top three concerts. I think she's absolutely incredible, and even though she already has a following, I think even more people will see that when they see "Where the Wild Things Are" and listen to her music. The soundtrack lists "Karen O and The Kids" as the artist for each song, and members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Deerhunter and the Raconteurs, among other bands, are featured. You can listen to it here on Spin.

The songs have sick drum beats, shouting in the background provided by Karen O and a children's choir, clapping (like in "Capsize"), and it's all just fun. Even "Animal," which has a darker, more tribal feel to it as Karen O screams in the background, is adventurous, and if I asked the 6-year-old version of me what I thought of it, I would say it was "cooool." I guess not much has changed.

"All is Love" is definitely my favorite song with a cheerful guitar riff and kids shouting in the background. At the end, Karen O keeps saying "is love, is love, is love," with the kids' choir coming in and ending with just the kids. It's brilliant.

The best part is that listening to this soundtrack feels like a real adventure, like the best pretend adventures you had as a kid. I'm sure the movie will have this effect, too, and I cannot wait for Oct. 16 when it's released. This soundtrack is a great way to tide us over. Perfect, actually.

Updates and thoughts on health care

I haven't blogged in nearly two months! Perhaps it's because I'm getting the hang of my new (well, kinda new) job at the Bristol Press, and when I get home after writing all day, I don't want to write any more. Maybe it's because it's the summer, and I have the relaxing mentality. It could also be because the internet at my house is really bad.

Anyway, here's what I've done this summer: worked, hung out, tried to catch movies and shows. I went to All Points West for one day this year - this was a much better decision than going all three days last year. We're getting old. But Friday was the best lineup. Jay-Z was a great last-minute replacement to the Beastie Boys, and I got to see two of my current favorite bands - Vampire Weekend and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs! It was fantastic. Before APW, I also saw Diana Krall, and later, I saw Sugar Ray for $5 - they played only their hits and covers. It was hilarious.

On a different note, I started getting these minor chest pains when I breathe in deeply today, and checking WebMD just makes me a hypochondriac. Also, it tells me to call a doctor, which I can't do until Sept. 1 because my insurance doesn't kick in until then. Central CT Communications, the company that owns the Bristol Press and New Britain Herald, makes employees wait 90 days until they're covered. I've got about three and a half weeks left.

This is the first time in two months I've begun to worry about not having insurance. And it made me think: Even with insurance, you have a ton of problems. The Bristol Press/New Britain Herald just switched insurance providers, and I know some people here are worried about their lack of a card from the new provider. Also, it's not really clear what's covered because we mysteriously lost the coverage book from our new insurance meeting. When I was under my parents' insurance, I always had trouble calling about things. I've been in support of universal health care since I heard about it, but really, recent events - that is, my being a 22-year-old without health insurance and joining the ranks of the many uninsured - I've come to believe that there is an urgent need for health care reform. Even waiting 90 days feels like forever when you're not sure if you're going to have to see a doctor. I can't imagine what it's like to wait indefinitely.

I'm not going into my thoughts on insurance yet. I'll save that for a time when I don't have a meeting in an hour.